A dental bridge can be an option when filling a gap where a tooth has fallen out or been removed and can help improve facial aesthetics, stop shifting into a space and prevent biting problems.
Dedicated to dental excellence, creating healthy brighter smiles.
Conventional Bridges
Conventional bridges are made by crowning the teeth on either side of a gap and attaching false teeth in the middle so that it appears that it emerges from the gum like the original tooth. In some cases your dentist may suggest a resin retained bridge, which is also known as a ‘sticky bridge’. This is when the replacement tooth is supported by metal wings which are stuck to adjacent teeth. ‘Sticky bridges’ are generally considered a less destructive type of treatment.
Your suitability for dental bridges depends greatly on the health and gum condition of your remaining teeth, something that the dentist will obviously discuss with you. Book your initial appointment with our team of dental professionals today by calling us directly on 020 8942 8943 or use our online contact form to request appointment availability!
What are the benefits of dental bridge treatment?
- Fill gaps and missing teeth.
- Improve the aesthetics of discolored or stained teeth.
- Improve the shape or form of teeth.
- Rectify crooked teeth, chipped or cracked teeth.
- Replace work done previously that used metal.
What is the procedure for a bridge placement?
First appointment: Adjacent teeth may be shaped depending on the type of bridge you are having. A mould of the teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where a customised bridge will be prepared. An appropriate shade is taken when necessary. Once you are in the chair, one of our highly trained and experienced dentists will inject a local anesthetic into the gum tissue adjacent to the tooth next to the bridge. We will then begin to reshape the tooth or teeth that will house the bridge.
Second appointment: Bridge is bonded and adjusted so it is comfortable to bite on. Comfortability and easiness is essential for long-lasting effects and here, we can make any minor adjustments as requested by the patient.
Dedicated to dental excellence, creating healthy brighter smiles.
FAQs
Bridges are made from either entirely or a combination of metals and ceramics. We offer a range of bridges that are made from different materials to suit specific patient needs and outcomes. One of the most effective and commonly used types of bridge is the Porcelain bonded to metal alloys, which may contain silver, gold, titanium and nickel. For temporary bridges, we may use acrylic (plastic).
The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown or bridge is to practice good oral hygiene. It is important that the gum line and area surrounding the bridge is kept clean and special floss is often necessary to clean underneath the teeth and maintain strong, healthy gums. A bridge can lose its support if the teeth or bone holding it in place are damaged by dental disease. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. Also see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
The average dental bridge normally lasts for anywhere between 5-10 years. However, this can depend greatly on a few variable factors that will vary from patient to patient. For maximum durability and to get excellent value for money, it’s imperative to keep up with regular and consistent dental hygiene practices such as brushing daily, flossing daily and booking regular check-ups at Westbury Dental Care. We always advise our patients to see the hygienist at least every 6 months. The length of time that bridges last may also depend on the type of materials you choose; Porcelain bridges normally last the longest!
If your bridge comes off completely or there are obvious signs of chipping and damage, we can offer emergency bridge repair appointments at our practice. We will repair where it’s possible to do so but if their damage isn’t repairable, it’s likely that we will offer a replacement bridge or recommend dental implants as a more permanent solution. Depending on the type of bridge you go for, they may be removable. However, we recommend traditional, fixed bridges that are permanently cemented in your mouth as the best option for durability.
Contact Westbury Dental Care and Implant Centre
If you wish to speak to our fully qualified and highly experienced team of dentists at Westbury Dental Care and Implant Centre about dental bridges or any other treatments that we provide, please get in touch with us today directly on 020 8942 8943 or use our online form and we’ll get back to you promptly!